World Languages
The ZCHS World Languages Department provides an individualized, modern language learning experience that maximizes student proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking another language. The linguistic and cultural competencies gained through our ZCHS programming create work-ready, productive world citizens.
What benefits are there to learning another language?The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) has done extensive research and data collection in this area. Please click on any of the three questions below to gain access to many years of correlated studies completed around the U.S. and world.
- How does language learning support academic achievement?
- How does language learning provide cognitive benefits to students?
- How does language learning affect attitudes and beliefs about language learning and about other cultures?
How are ZCHS World Languages courses developed and taught?
The ZCHS World Language teachers are a dynamic, cooperative team of teachers who, despite the differences in our backgrounds, experiences, and interests, work together as a cohesive group to offer six rigorous levels of instruction in Chinese, French, and Spanish. Teachers create unit plans and common, formal assessments that align with Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines and standards.
- Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Standards
- American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines
- Chinese: level I, level II, level III, level IV, level V, level VI AP
- French: level I, level II, level III, level IV, level V, level VI AP
- Spanish: level I, level II, level III, level IV, level V, level VI AP
Who are my teachers and how will they support my unique learning style, personality and preferences?
Read about our ZCHS World Languages Teachers and find their contact information.
How will my skills be assessed?
The World Languages Department values collaboration and works to ensure that all WL students have a positive and similar experience in our classrooms, no matter what their language or level. To this end, we have a number of departmental policies and practices to support students.
Students will be assessed on their reading, writing, speaking, and listening in their language. We use common rubric banks, developed from IDOE World Languages standards, ACTFL proficiency guidelines, and College Board scoring rubrics for all students, regardless of their language or level.
- ZCHS World Languages Summative Assessment Retake Policy
- Request to Retake Form (to be filled out by student requesting a retake)
- Tutor Form (to be filled out by optional tutor during session)
What resources are available to support me outside of the classroom?
World Languages teachers are always available to help students before, during, and after school. However, there are valuable, outside tools and resources that can facilitate different learning experiences for our students.
- World Languages Tutors
- Adult Tutor List
- Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica Tutor List (free individual tutoring by advanced Spanish students)
- BUHOS (free group tutoring by advanced Spanish students)
- Student Summer Enrichment Work

- Join one of our World Languages Honors Societies (Chinese, French, or Spanish)
- Join a ZCHS Club with a Global Focus
- Follow ZCS World Languages on Facebook for the latest new and upcoming opportunities
- Explore Indy's International Marketplace where you can hear over 70 different languages, visit 50+ ethnic restaurants, and shop at more than 40 ethnic markets
- Explore a gap year or international study abroad experience through the ZCHS Office of Global Engagement.